CVE-2004-1368 in E-Business Suite
Summary
by MITRE
ISQL*Plus in Oracle 10g Application Server allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary files via an absolute pathname in the file parameter to the load.uix script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1368 represents a critical directory traversal and arbitrary file execution flaw within the ISQL*Plus component of Oracle 10g Application Server. This vulnerability specifically affects the load.uix script which processes file parameters without proper input validation, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to manipulate the application's file handling mechanisms. The flaw exists in the way the system interprets user-supplied pathname values, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary files on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of input parameters within the ISQL*Plus interface. When attackers supply an absolute pathname through the file parameter of the load.uix script, the application fails to properly validate or restrict the path specification, enabling path traversal attacks. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability allows attackers to specify any absolute path on the file system, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive files, execution of malicious code, or complete system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to Oracle 10g Application Server environments as it enables remote code execution without authentication requirements. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially gaining full administrative control over the affected system. The attack surface is particularly concerning as ISQL*Plus is typically accessible over network connections, making exploitation feasible from remote locations without requiring physical access to the server. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper input validation, creating opportunities for data exfiltration, system infiltration, and persistent access to enterprise environments.
The security implications extend beyond immediate exploitation as this vulnerability aligns with multiple tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and execution of malicious code. Organizations running affected Oracle 10g Application Server installations face significant risk of unauthorized access to database resources and sensitive business data. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require specialized tools or extensive knowledge of the target environment, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. Security teams should prioritize patch management and network segmentation to mitigate the risk, while also implementing proper monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and unusual network activity targeting the affected ISQL*Plus interface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper access control mechanisms in web-based application frameworks, particularly those handling file operations and user-supplied parameters.